The UK immigration system is built on strict boxes. You are either a Skilled Worker, a Student, a Spouse, or a Refugee. But human life is messy. What happens if you don't fit into any of these boxes, yet removing you from the UK would be unjust, dangerous, or cruel? This is where Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) comes in. It is the "safety valve" of the immigration system. It...

In the rigid architecture of the UK immigration system, Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) was once the catch-all solution for difficult cases. It was the "compassionate" grant given when an applicant didn't quite fit the refugee definition but clearly couldn't be sent home. In 2026, that compassion is in short supply. Following the tightening of the Modern Slavery laws and the...